Macht and Herrschaft shape the way in which human beings interact with each other in both present and past. Premodern social, political and cultural structures in all parts of the world have had significant impact on today’s globalised world. Transcultural comparison opens a way to better understand phenomena of Macht and Herrschaft and their historical dimensions. To overcome eurocentric perspectives, it is especially necessary to consider contemporary discourses. Experts on Chinese and Islamic Studies, Medieval History and Social Sciences endeavour to show both challenges as well as chances of comparative approaches to premodern social and political orders.